Kaua‘i Concert Association and the W.S. Pete Robinson Memorial Fund present the 2nd Annual Red Clay Jazz Festival at 4 p.m. June 27 on the grounds of Kaua‘i Community College. The festival opens with wine, beer and a heavy pupu
Kaua‘i Concert Association and the W.S. Pete Robinson Memorial Fund present the 2nd Annual Red Clay Jazz Festival at 4 p.m. June 27 on the grounds of Kaua‘i Community College. The festival opens with wine, beer and a heavy pupu menu.
The afternoon affair will be held on the lawn of KCC in front of the Performing Arts Center. Dance to the swingin’ sounds of the KCC Jazz Big Band featuring local vocalist Peggy Lake. Also featured in the afternoon session will be Erika Luckett, a jazz-influenced world music songstress.
The evening concert begins at 6:30 p.m. with a rare appearance by the Hawai‘i Jazz Legends, featuring vocalist Jimmy Borges and pianist Betty Lou Taylor. Borges has been singing from the great American jazz songbook for over 50 years and Betty Lou was recently featured in a short film documentary entitled “They Call Her Lady Fingers,” which won the Blockbuster Video Audience Award for Best Documentary in the 2003 Hawai‘i International Film Festival.
Following the Jazz Legends will be the Noel Okimoto Quintet, with Dan DelNegro on piano. Okimoto is one of the finest drummers and vibraphonists to come out of the Hawaiian Islands. Rounding out the quintet will be Hilo’s, Dean Taba on bass, Deshannon Higa on trumpet and Tim Tsukiyama on saxophones.
The evening affair will conclude with Kevin Mahogany, a top jazz vocalist. Mahogany has been called “the finest male singer of his generation” by many jazz critics. Mahogany has a booming, velvet baritone that could be compared to the late Joe Williams.
Tickets for the outdoor afternoon wine, beer and pupu event are $45. Tickets for the evening indoor jazz concert are $35. Those wishing to attend both (seating is limited for the afternoon affair), will have a ticket price of $75. Tickets can be purchased on-line at kauai-concert.org or at Borders Books and Music; Magic Dragon, Princeville; Island Soap and Candle, Koloa; Kaua‘i Music and Sound, Kapa‘a and the Wine Shop, Puhi. For more information call, 245-SING or e-mail KCA at info@kauai-concert.org.
The Kaua‘i Concert Association (KCA) began in 1974 with a mission to bring world class music to Kaua‘i. The organization started with two concerts per year and currently presents an eight concert season with a wide variety of classical, dance, jazz and world music for the enjoyment and edification of Kaua‘i residents and visitors.
KCA also offers scholarship and educational services to the community. The current mission of Kaua‘i Concert Association is to provide quality classical and modern performing fine arts and to provide musical education opportunities.
In the 2007-08, KCA awarded $10,000 for students to continue their studies with private teachers in piano, violin, all areas of dance, trumpet and saxophone. This fundraiser is for the Kaua‘i Concert Association Scholarship Program and the W. S. Pete Robinson Memorial Fund.
For more information contact, Ron Margolis, 346-7095 or ron.margolis.kca@gmail.com.
